Father claims damages after child shocked by live wire at casino

THE Grand West Casino in Cape Town is liable for the damages suffered by a child who was four at the time after she was shocked by a live wire while clinging to the metal rail at a kiddie ice-skating rink while watching other children.

- ZELDA VENTER

The father of the child, who is not identified as his daughter is a minor, turned to the Western Cape High Court to claim damages from the casino after his child was injured during the January 2020 incident.

The father testified that the incident occurred during the festive season and the food court at Grand West was bustling with foot traffic and children. His child was standing next to him at the kiddies ice-skating rink, holding on to a steel pole when she suddenly cried out loud.

He looked at his child and could see her visibly trembling. He then pulled her towards him while she was screaming and at the same time showing him her hand. He took a moment to survey the surroundings and noticed an exposed electrical wire lying on the floor. A red mark was visible on his child’s hand. He then concluded that his child had been electrocuted.